In Week 15, the 49ers will travel for their second-to-last divisional game of the year. Similar to 2022, the red and gold had a chance to win the NFC West title in Week 15, and they succeeded in doing so by defeating the Arizona Cardinals 45-29. The squad maintains their lead in the conference standings and control over their postseason status thanks to the victory in Arizona. The starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, who earned his first career start in his home state, has a personal component to this road trip as well.
“To come and have everyone from high school, Perry, Queen Creek and Gilbert come to the game and support, it means everything to me,” Purdy stated. “I’ve always wanted to be able to play in front of everyone when I get home because I know they will always be there for me and support me.” I hope that I was able to show them how much I value everything they have done for me throughout my life.
Here are five takeaways from Sunday afternoon’s game:
WR Deebo Samuel Extends His Touchdown Streak.
The wide receiver started scoring in four straight games on Thanksgiving night against the 49ers in Week 12. The 49ers swiftly answered with a touchdown of their own after giving up an Arizona touchdown on the opening drive. For the 12-yard touchdown reception, quarterback Brock Purdy found Samuel, who was moving and left wide open on the left side. There were 6:33 remaining in the first quarter when the score was knotted at 7-7. In the fourth quarter, the wide receiver went on to score another touchdown.
CB Charvarius Ward Notches a Career-First in Arizona
In the game’s opening quarter, the seasoned cornerback made history by snagging a pass intended for Kyler Murray on a fourth-and-three. It was his first career pick-six. Murray went after Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, but Ward intercepted his pass, allowing Murray to return the pick 66 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six marks the first defensive touchdown in San Francisco’s season of 2023 and the first one since Week 5 of 2022. With 4:22 remaining in the first quarter, the 49ers led 14-7 thanks to the interception return score. Later in the fourth quarter, Ward managed to secure another interception.
“I had a big smile on my face probably for the whole first half after the touchdown,” Ward stated. “I think my play turned out really well. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to God for giving me two picks, which has never happened in my career—not even in high school, college, or junior college. That makes me very happy, and I’m grateful.”
Defensive Front Stacks the Sacks, Again
Even without Adrian Armstead and Devon Hargrave, two of the starting interior defensive lineman for the 49ers, they managed to put on a disruptive performance in Week 15. Week 15 saw the defensive line add three more sacks, continuing the strong output level of the previous five games (a total of 22 sacks).
On the Cardinals’ second offensive series, defensive lineman Jason Kinlaw—making his second start of the year—started things off by taking down Murray for a loss of seven yards. On first-and-15, the sack forced Arizona to retreat to their own 48-yard line. The Cardinals had to settle for a 58-yard field goal since they were unable to convert.
Even without Adrian Armstead and Devon Hargrave, two of the starting interior defensive lineman for the 49ers, they managed to put on a disruptive performance in Week 15. Week 15 saw the defensive line add three more sacks, continuing the strong output level of the previous five games (a total of 22 sacks).
On the Cardinals’ second offensive series, defensive lineman Jason Kinlaw—making his second start of the year—started things off by taking down Murray for a loss of seven yards. On first-and-15, the sack forced Arizona to retreat to their own 48-yard line. The Cardinals had to settle for a 58-yard field goal since they were unable to convert.
Second Quarter Quarterback Swap
On a nine-yard pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk in San Francisco’s third offensive series, quarterback Purdy took a big hit. After going down on the field and being assessed in the medical tent, Purdy left the game following the hit, which resulted in a 15-yard roughing the passer flag.Before Purdy was given the all-clear to rejoin the action, Sam Darnold played three plays in the game. The sophomore quarterback’s official injury report stated that he had a pain on his left shoulder. He continued to play for the 49ers, finishing the series with a five-yard touchdown pass to running back Christian McCaffrey to cap off a 10-play, 75-yard drive. In his homecoming NFL debut, Purdy completed 16 of 25 ball attempts for 242 yards and four touchdowns.
“I’ve never had a stinger before, so when I got hit, I probably could have popped up if someone grabbed my arm and pulled me up,” Purdy stated. On my left side, that is. After lying there for a little while to let everything settle down, I was able to stand up and head to the tent. Things improved from there. I was able to return in mid-drive because, as time passed, it literally just started to disappear.”
Three-Touchdown Day for CMC
Against the Cardinals, 49ers RB1 scored two receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown after failing to cross the end zone in Week 14. Late in the second quarter, McCaffrey set the tone with a five-yard touchdown reception. During the opening drive of the third quarter, he also helped the offense get going. George Kittle, the tight end, made a 35-yard reception before Purdy played outside the pocket and found a wide-open McCaffrey close to the left sideline. The running back stumbled around the 10-yard line and then ran the ball into the end zone to complete a 41-yard catch and run.
“I didn’t see the ball until like halfway in the air, and I was just happy we connected,” said McCaffrey. “Brock made a great play of scrambling and sticking with it.”
Late in the third quarter, he scored once more, this time on a one-yard touchdown run that gave San Francisco a 35–16 lead. McCaffrey tied Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert for the league touchdown lead with his third touchdown.
